Mangalore: 'Khel-Rajanv' authored by Paul Moras released

Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Aug 4: 'Konkani Challvoll' volume IV titled ’Khel-Rajanv’, a research and study on Konkani movement by Paul Moras was released at a programme held at Milagres Senate hall here on Sunday August 4.

The book was released by dignitaries present accompanied by Paul Moras and his wife Juliet.

Ace Kannada writers Na D’Souza, Basti Vaman Shenoy, president of Konkani language and culture foundation, Ivan D’Souza, president of Rachana were the chief guests while Dr Alwyn Vincent Desa from St Aloysius College, Fr Francis Rodrigues, editor of Raknno weekly and Gokuldas Prabhu from Akila Bharatiya Konkani Parishad were the guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Na D’Souza said, "For any language to be rich, it should include aspects like tradition, culture and so on. We find Konkani people across the entire country working towards promoting Konkani language; no language in India has worked so hard as Konkani.

"For the past 55 years I have been writing in Kannada as I am unable to write or read Konkani," he added.

Lauding Paul Moras for publishing three great books namely 'Konkani Chalvoll', 'Jagaran' and 'Mogre-Karan' earlier, D’Souza said the ’Khel-Rajanv’ book has been written after thorough research, and that people should appreciate the author's achievement.

"I feel people have forgotten about tiatr these days. Efforts should be made to understand how tiatr influenced Konkani movement," he added.

"The four books released by Paul Moras are by far the biggest gift given to Konkani," said Basti Vaman Shenoy, "And Na D’Souza is the biggest gift given by Konkani people to Kannada.

Stating that he has started writing his autobiography, Shenoy lauded Paul Moras for his immense contributions. He hoped that Paul Moras would write more books and assured his support to the author.

"Due to the immense contribution by great Konkani writers, I feel Konkani will never die. It is the writer who can influence a person and thus bring changes in the society," said Ivan D’Souza.

"There is a need to write a book on Konkani movement in connection to politics also. Political leaders should also lend their support to writers, as they can bring necessary changes in the society," he added.

Fr Francis Rodrigues in his address said, "There are two scarcities in Konkani literary field - there are not many autobiographical books, and we lack research, analysis and review of facts."

Dr Alwyn Vincent Desa and Gokuldas Prabhu also spoke on the occasion.

Paul Moras in his words of gratitude thanked all the people who supported him in publishing the new book. "I started writing this book 6 years back and a lot of hindrances came in the way, but with the support of a few people, I could continue my work," he said.

"Konkani writers get scared to publish a book as it does not have a strong market unlike other languages. But I did not bother about that aspect, instead, I continued my work bravely without looking back," he said, and assured people that he would continue writing more books in future.

Ragashree troupe performed a prayer dance prior to the release of the book.

Lester D’Souza welcomed the gathering, M R Kamath compered while Ronald Gomes proposed the vote of thanks.